Christie’s Experts Share Their Insider Tips for Buying Contemporary Art at Auction

Art auctions aren’t just for industry veterans. In fact, new collectors can find incredible pieces at affordable prices—if they know what to look for. Christie’s First Open event, with works starting at $800, is right around the corner, so we turned to three art pros from the esteemed auction house for advice. 


Do your homework.
“I always tell clients: You buy with your heart, but your brain has to come into play,” says Han-I Wang, a specialist of postwar and contemporary art. “That means buying with a strategy. For example, you might want to set a maximum bid before you buy at auction.” Make sure to preview a sales catalogue to review the items’ condition reports and visit the galleries (for free!) beforehand to see the works you like in person. “To understand art that’s hot and popular, go back to its origins,” says Wang. “The street art of Banksy and Invader is related to the work of Keith Haring, even though it might be of a different genre.” If you have questions, ask to talk to a specialist, who can offer personalized advice.

Be a social (media) butterfly.
“It sounds basic but Instagram is a great way for collectors to learn about artists,” says Bianca Chu, head of sales for First Open in London. “Search event hashtags to see tons of images.” Lindsay Griffith, a specialist of prints and multiples agrees. “Social media has really democratized the art world, allowing for dialogue, more accessible previews, and even some behind-the-scenes insights.” Don’t just follow the major auction houses, such as @ChristiesInc. Galleries or art fairs, such as @thearmoryshow, will often provide exhibit updates, says Griffith, while art insiders like @brettgorvy, the chairman and international head of postwar and contemporary art at Christie’s, add helpful expertise to the mix.
Read More: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/christies-experts-insider-tips-buying-contemporary-art-auction 
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